Compatibility Overview
Discus and Sparkling Gourami are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Discus | Sparkling Gourami | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88°F | 73–82°F | ⚠️ 82–82°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 5.0–7.0 | 6.5–7.5 | ⚠️ 6.5–7.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | semi | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 2.0 in | ❌ 4× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus — Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' — beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Sparkling Gourami — Aquarium species
The Sparkling Gourami is a popular freshwater fish known for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature. It is well-suited for beginners due to its easy care requirements and compatibility with a variety of tank mates. These gouramis thrive in a well-maintained tank with plenty of swimming space and gentle water flow. Providing a planted tank can enhance their n
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Discus live with Sparkling Gourami?
Generally not recommended. Discus and Sparkling Gourami are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Discus and Sparkling Gourami together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Discus and Sparkling Gourami together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Discus and Sparkling Gourami?
82–82°F (narrow)
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Sparkling Gourami?
Discus is semi and Sparkling Gourami is semi. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 0/100 |
| Ph | 50/100 |
| Temperament | 62/100 |
| Adult Size | 38/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |